For the first time in 21 games this season, Chennaiyin FC recorded back-to-back victories as they defeated Punjab FC 2-1 at the Marina Arena. This was the club’s second home win in 10 games this season. Following the victory, Owen Coyle addressed the media on the result, reason behind Kiyan’s substitution and absence of key players.
Owen Coyle on the result:
The home side took the lead in the 19th minute when Wilmar Jordan stepped up and scored from the penalty spot. Irfan had two brilliant chances at the stroke of half-time whistle but couldn’t put it past Ravi Kumar. Punjab had a brilliant start to the second half with Luka Majcen scoring the equalizer. Substitute Daniel Chima scored the winner and ensured all three points for Chennaiyin FC. Owen Coyle spoke about the result and added the following.
“I think first half we were excellent. We got in front, could have added to that. Had a couple of great moves, you had a couple of great saves, but a couple of really good opportunities. So, I felt we could have been a couple in front. Although we knew Punjab would be very dangerous, because obviously with Ivan Novoselec suspended, the four foreigners occupied the front slots. And that was the reason why we went with two foreigners at center-backs.”
“At 1-0 we felt very good at half-time, but knowing that Punjab would come out, because they’re fighting to be in those top six spots as well. And they did. I mean, I need to look at that, but I was disappointed with the goal. I think it was avoidable. But at 1-1, in truth, I thought Punjab got their tails up and dominated for 10 minutes or so. A few crosses again across the face of the box, which I wasn’t entirely happy about, because we gave up wide areas when we should be stopping those crosses coming in.”
“So, all in all, a great three points. I mean, it’s delighted, but I’m frustrated it’s took this long to win back-to-back games. But that’s, as I said before, that’s because of the inconsistencies that were showed.”
Owen Coyle on Kiyan’s substitution:
Kiyan Nassiri was handed his start after the youngster bagged his first assist of the season in the last game against East Bengal. Despite a couple of brilliant moments in the first half, Kiyan was replaced by Farukh at the start of the second half. Owen Coyle discussed the reason behind the substitution and how Kiyan has impressed him.
“Kiyan had been booked. But he did well. But if you remember, when we never got a free kick, when the boy (Abhishek) knocked him. So, Kiyan had a little niggle before. He had hurt his back. And when he landed on the track, he’d jolted his back. He came in the first zone. He said, oh, I’m really feeling my back. So, with the injury and the yellow, we had to be very clever.”
“I was pleased with Kiyan. I thought he did really well last week against East Bengal. And I spoke to him. Because for me, Kiyan has wonderful ability. But what I need to see, and I see that today, is that, and I see that last week against Bengal, is that tenacity and that drive that you’re going to stand up. I’ve really liked what I’ve seen from Kiyan in the last two weeks. And hopefully he continues that.”
Owen Coyle on absence of Mandar and Gurkirat:
Despite starting the season as the first choice left-back, Mandar has lost his place not just in the starting 11 but also from the matchday squad in the last two games. Gurkirat has also been absent from the matchday squad for the last few games. Owen Coyle explained the reason behind the absence of these two players and the competition for places in the squad.
“Mandar’s been training well. Obviously, Vignesh had come in and then we have had Ankit on the bench as well. Because we’re at home and I wanted to win the game, I wanted more attacking options to win the game. So, Mandar’s a good pro. He’s been training well. He missed out last week as well. But he’s continued to train well. He’s a wonderful man. I mean, such a fantastic professional. Ultimately, we can only start at 11. So, ultimately, I can’t get everybody in.
“Gurkirat’s back now. He’s back training. He had a family illness, and I gave him (time off), which is really important. I mean, we love football, but your family’s the most important thing you’ll ever have. And so, Gurkirat being the elder male in the family, it was important that he was there. Thankfully, I think the family members were recovering now. So, with Gurkirat, he’s come back, trained really well yesterday again and now he puts himself back in with a chance to be involved.”
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